Why water your cold greenhouse in winter is essential, even without culture?

Winter is a period when watering a cold greenhouse may seem useless when it is not cultivated. However, maintaining a certain level of humidity is important to preserve the quality of the soil and avoid certain inconveniences. Here is why water a cold greenhouse in winter, even without culture, is beneficial.

1. Preserve the structure and fertility of the soil

A completely dry soil can compact, resulting in a loss of its structure and its ability to retain water and nutrients. This compaction can reduce the porosity of the soil, thus limiting the ventilation and circulation of water in depth. Over time, compacted soil becomes more difficult to work and requires heavier interventions to find a good structure. In addition, dry soil loses its capacity to quickly absorb water when it is brought, causing excessive runoff and waste of the humidity available.

By maintaining a slight humidity, we promote the preservation of microbial life and microorganisms essential to soil fertility. These microorganisms, such as beneficial bacteria and fungi, decompose organic matter and gradually release nutrients. Living soil is therefore more able to welcome new cultures in the spring, without requiring excessive amendments.

2. Avoid cracks and degradation of materials

too dry soil tends to retract, which can cause the appearance of cracks on the surface and in depth. These cracks make the soil less homogeneous and can disturb its balance in terms of humidity and nutrients. In addition, when water is brought abruptly after a period of drought, it may infiltrate quickly by these cracks, promoting internal erosion which can impoverish the soil in essential nutrients.

Furthermore, a very dry and unstable soil can affect the structure of the greenhouse itself. In the case of a greenhouse placed directly on a furniture floor, excessive desiccation can cause soil movements, resulting in a sagging of certain areas. This can ultimately weaken anchors and cause tensions on the structure, especially in terms of fixings and greenhouse frames.

Finally, an atmosphere that is too dry in the greenhouse can speed up the deterioration of certain materials. For example, the plastic or rubber seals used for the waterproofing of the walls and openings may dry, harden and crack prematurely, thus reducing the thermal efficiency and sustainability of the greenhouse. Humidity therefore plays a regulator role, allowing to preserve both the soil and the materials that make up the greenhouse.

3. Maintain a stable humidity level

too low a humidity level can cause excessive drought in the greenhouse, which can harm future sowing and plantations. Indeed, too dry soil can become hydrophobic, that is to say that it repels water instead of absorbing it, which complicates the first spring waterings. In addition, an overly dry atmosphere can promote the development of certain parasites such as red spiders, which proliferate in dry and hot conditions. By maintaining minimal humidity, we reduce the risk of infestation and we preserve an ecological balance conducive to future cultures.

4. Reduce thermal differences

Water has a significant thermal capacity, which allows it to store heat during the day and slowly restore it at night. A slightly damp soil acts as a thermal regulator, limiting temperature differences between day and night. This regulation helps to avoid thermal shocks which could weaken the walls of the greenhouse, especially in the event of a frost. In addition, by attenuating these temperature variations, we promote a more stable climate, which can be beneficial for certain plants resistant to cold or for the conservation of winter sowing.

5. Prepare the greenhouse for future cultures

By maintaining a soil balanced in humidity during the winter, it will be easier to revive the cultivation in the spring. A well -prepared and alive soil will require less effort to be put back in cultivation and offer a better start to plants. Winter watering also helps preserve organic matter present in the soil, which can otherwise degrade more slowly in a dry environment. In addition, minimal humidity allows earthworms and other beneficial organizations to remain active, which contributes to maintaining good soil structure and optimal fertility for future plantations.

How to water well in winter?

• watering moderately : evaporation being lower than in summer, light but regular watering is sufficient.
• watering in the morning : this allows water to penetrate the soil before the drop in night temperatures, limiting the risk of frost.
• Use water at room temperature : too cold water could weaken the structure of the soil.
• Monitor hygrometry : a hygrometer can help adjust watering according to the ambient humidity.